GMAT DS: ‘No’ Can Be an Answer, it Often Is!

Quick Summary

On GMAT data sufficiency, a statement is sufficient if it yields a definite conclusion. A clear ‘no’ qualifies. Example: Question: Is x = 7? Statement: x is even. Since 7 is not even, the answer is a consistent no; therefore, the statement is sufficient.

Overview

When solving GMAT DS questions, many students fall into a subtle trap: they believe that only a “yes” answer makes a statement sufficient. In reality, “no” can also be a perfectly valid and sufficient answer, as long as it is definite. This is where clarity of approach separates strong test takers from the rest. For example, consider a situation where a statement clearly rules out a possibility, leaving no ambiguity. Even though the answer is “no,” the statement is still sufficient because it provides a conclusive response. Recognizing this principle not only improves accuracy but also prevents you from wasting time combining statements unnecessarily. Such insights are crucial in developing a sharp test-taking strategy. If you are building your foundation for quant, our GMAT preparation course covers these fundamentals in depth. And as you move closer to your goals, our MBA admissions consulting guidance can help you translate your scores into real success.

No Can Be (And Often Is!) The Answer in GMAT Data Sufficiency

One of the most important realizations in Data Sufficiency is that the word “sufficient” does not mean the answer has to be “yes.” A clear “no” is equally valid, because sufficiency is about conclusiveness, positive or negative.

Illustrative Example

Question: Is X a multiple of 12?

• Statement (1): X leaves a remainder of 2 when divided by 4.
• Statement (2): X is a multiple of 7.

A: Statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not.

B: Statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not.

C: Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is sufficient.

D: Each statement alone is sufficient.

E: Even both statements together are not sufficient.

Examining Statement (1) alone:

This means X is not a multiple of 4. If it is not a multiple of 4, it cannot be a multiple of 12 either. Hence, the statement gives a definite “no,” making it sufficient.

Examining Statement (2) alone:

This does not eliminate the possibility that X could or could not be a multiple of 12. Therefore, this statement alone is not sufficient.

Because Statement (1) alone is sufficient, the correct answer choice is A.

Key Learning

Always remember: in Data Sufficiency, both “yes” and “no” can lead to sufficiency as long as the conclusion is definite. Uncertainty or ambiguity is what makes a statement insufficient. Internalizing this principle will save you from common traps and strengthen your ability to evaluate statements logically. This clarity is not only valuable for test-day performance but also reflects the analytical thinking valued in the admissions process for a competitive b-school such as ISB, where precision and structured reasoning play a defining role.

Parting Thought

The deeper lesson is that sufficiency is not about finding the answer you hope for but about valuing certainty. On the GMAT, a clear “no” is as valid as a clear “yes,” because both provide definitive outcomes. Think of a GMAT-style simulation: if a statement proves that x cannot equal 5, it is just as sufficient as proving that x equals 5. In management and life, too, clarity often outweighs the answer itself. Leaders thrive not by forcing everything into a “yes,” but by recognizing when the honest answer is “no” and acting with confidence. Data Sufficiency trains you to embrace decisiveness over ambiguity, a lesson with impact far beyond the test.